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Equal Access to Discriminatory Clubs

In August of 2012, Congresswoman Maloney publically praised the Augusta National Golf Club's decision to admit former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and businesswoman Darla Moore as members of the exclusive club that plays host to a Masters Tournament.

The Congresswoman first became involved in the fight to end discrimination at this club in 2003 when Dr. Martha Burk, then-President of the National Council of Women’s Organizations, wrote to the head of Augusta National, urging him to open up the club to women for membership. The issue took on a life of its own when the club refused to change its policy. Since business takes place in these types of golf clubs, women should have equal access.

Congresswoman Maloney introduced the Ending Tax Breaks for Discrimination Act of 2012, which eliminates business tax deductions for expenses associated with private clubs that discriminate against women. The bill eliminates the current business tax deductions that are allowed for advertising, travel, accommodation and meal expenses to and from these clubs, and for events associated with these clubs. Discriminatory clubs will be required to clearly print on their receipts that expenditures at that club are not tax deductible. Over the years, untold amounts of money have been spent and legitimately expensed as business tax deductions from Federal income taxes. The legislation puts an end to that. When clubs are places where business relationships are fostered, deals are made, but women are excluded, the time has come to end tax breaks for supporting discrimination against women.

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More on Equal Access to Discriminatory Clubs

WASHINGTON, DC - A bill introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14) and Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-27) would eliminate tax write-offs for corporations that use the 24 all-male golf clubs in the United States clubs for business purposes. Martha Burk, Chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations and critic of Augusta National Golf Club for its discriminatory policies, has worked closely with Reps. Maloney and Sherman, and she joined them today to announce the bill's introduction.